I'm so happy to speak with Dr. Nick Hallowell, a renowned board-certified child, and adult psychiatrist and the world's leading expert on ADHD. He graduated from Harvard College and Tulane Medical School and was a faculty member at Harvard Medical School for 21 years. He founded the Hallowell ADHD centers in several major US cities and has helped thousands of individuals with ADHD lead happy and productive lives.
Dr. Hallowell is also a New York Times best-selling author, having written 20 books on various psychological topics, and has appeared on several popular TV shows, including 20/20, 60 Minutes, and Oprah. In this conversation, we discuss the relationship between ADHD and addiction, including how ADHD, dyslexia, and addiction can be markers of talent and even lead to superpowers.
We talk about the misinformation, stigma, and fear surrounding getting treatment. Dr. Hallowell defines dyslexia and ADHD. We also discuss some of the upsides of having ADHD, especially when it is well-managed. The final message is that people need to learn the truth about getting treatment, as it can significantly improve their lives.
[03:27] Dr Hallowell sees ADHD, dyslexia, and addiction are markers of talent. He's seen tremendous talent in the thousands and thousands of people he's treated over the years.
[04:29] He sees these more as traits, and when managed properly, they become super powers.
[05:21] Dr Hallowell talks about the misinformation, stigma, and fear that surrounds getting treatment. The diagnosis and treatment should be stories of good news.
[08:21] Dyslexia is being slow to read and spell your native language.
[11:27] ADHD causes problems with executive function like planning and organizing.
[12:15] The upside of ADHD is being creative, entrepreneurial, intuitive, visionary, and more. It's having a race car brain and bicycle brakes. It's not a deficit of attention. It's an abundance of attention.
[13:37] When people have ADHD, their brains go really fast like a Ferrari.
[15:21] Dr Hallowell has ADHD himself, and he's treated thousands of people for ADHD. He also has medical credentials.
[17:37] There isn't a center devoted for people who have addiction and ADHD.
[19:41] Getting ADHD treated would enable those people to get more done with less effort.
[20:16] People need to learn the truth about getting treatment, because it's a good thing. After diagnosis, your life will get better.
[20:46] ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed.
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